SGC vs PSA vs Beckett- BVG

[barrysloate]

Okay Jeff, since you asked:

Grading is far too subjective for a system that is based on very precise numerical grades. When you consider that grading standards vary from company to company, from grader to grader within each company, and even on multiple submissions within the same company, it's pointless to assume that cards can be graded with such accuracy. With each submission grades can go up or down, authentic cards can get numerical grades, and any number of variables can come into play. And yet collectors pay gigantic premiums based entirely on these less than reliable numbers.

I think any collector can learn to grade a card with some practice, and it's a great skill to have. The one thing collectors can not do on their own is spot alterations. Card doctors are extremely skilled and their work is very difficult to detect. That is a service desperately needed to protect collectors from all kinds of fraud.

But I have to say I am less than impressed by how grading has evolved. It's an inexact science pretending to offer a level of precision that doesn't really exist. If I apply myself I can grade just as well as the pros, and so could most of the people on this board. I say stick to examining cards for alterations only and you will provide the hobby with a much needed service.

[srs1a]

I agree with Richard, et al about Beckett and modern cards -- I was looking for that option, but a 3 way survey would have been way too much!

I don't agree with the 'no numbers needed' sentiment. I also don't think that the TPGers are giving 'exact grades'. Sure, they give a number...but for the cards I collect (T206s in VG - VG/EX), I view a 40/3 and a 50/4 as the same grade and let my eye make the decision from there. There are 3's that I absolutely love...there are 4's that I wouldn't touch. Such is life in the armpit of collecting

[Bicem]

Agreed Barry, but I don't have a problem with the grading companies assigning grades to cards, the problem is collectors thinking those grades are the word of God instead of realizing it's simply a subjective opinion after briefly examining a card that can easily change from company to company or grader to grader or day to day. The current huge price disparity between grades that exists in the hobby today is insane and I think this mindset of collectors is to blame. They are putting so much stock into a constantly changing opinion.

[barrysloate]

Jeff- well said.

[mintacular]

I believe this poll needs to add more choices as there simply are not enough to pick from BVG=modern SGC=post-war GEM Mint=Prewar (j/k)

[Bicem]

Thanks Barry, what's kinda sad is that I don't think this mindset will ever really change. Unless... alterations become so rampant in the hobby that people are just forced to be very leery of all technical grades.

[Matt]

Originally Posted by Bicem

Thanks Barry, what's kinda sad is that I don't think this mindset will ever really change. Unless... alterations become so rampant in the hobby that people are just forced to be very leery of all technical grades.

It's anecdotal, but I've noticed an increasing number of sales where cards that have eye appeal much nicer then the technical grade sell quite a bit higher then the grade (and a few cases where the inverse was true as well).